In swampy areas, areas where there are a large number of water bodies, various specific plants grow. Many of them have useful and unique properties. Sphagnum moss is quite common in the forest zone. The photo where this "natural sponge" grows (as its name sounds in Greek) is presented below. The name was given because of its hygroscopic properties.
General information
Green mosses belong to the main groups of mossy plants. Most of them are brightly colored. Sphagnum moss is quite easy to distinguish. He looks much paler than the others. Often in the forest belt you can even find white sphagnum moss. It becomes colorless if it is dried. The roots of the "sponge" are absent. The lower part of the plant turns into peat over time. At the same time, rotting does not occur due to substances with bactericidal properties. Sphagnum moss can be found, in principle, everywhere. However, it is most common in the northern hemisphere of the planet. Belovedswampy areas, shaded, damp places are considered places. In these areas, mass reproduction of the "sponge" is observed.
Description
It should be said that the structure of sphagnum moss is similar to other representatives of the species. In the process of growth, unbranched erect shoots are formed, which are collected in pillows or dense turfs. Their height, as a rule, is no more than five centimeters. There is no real stem. The elements that correspond to them are called phyllidia and caulidia. Through the gaps between these parts, most of the s alts and water necessary for normal life enter. Phyllidia usually consist of a single cell layer. Rhizoids play the role of roots. Through these branching multicellular filaments, water is absorbed from the soil with useful compounds dissolved in it. However, with age, rhizoids lose their ability to "conduct" and serve only for support and fixation in the substrate.
What is the life cycle of sphagnum moss?
As with the vascular representatives of the flora, in the species under consideration there is an alternation of asexual generation (sporophyte) with sexual generation (gametophyte). The latter is represented by a photosynthetic green plant. Gametes are formed in the genital organs (gametangia). Male gametangia are called antheridia, female gametangia are called archegonia. From the zygote (fertilized egg) comes the sporophyte - the spore generation. Mossy plants have virtually no chlorophyll. The sporophytes remain attached to the gametophyte, receiving nourishment from it. In every cellthere is a diploid (double) chromosome set. The gametophyte has a haploid (single) chromosome structure (as in gametes). Of the two single sets, when the sperm and the egg merge, one double is formed. It is necessary for the development of the sporophyte. During spore formation, meiosis (cell division of the reduction type) occurs. As a result, each spore again becomes haploid. Further, it can germinate into the same single gametophyte. A filamentous branching structure is formed from the spore. It's called protonema. Buds begin to form on it. Of these, gametophytes subsequently develop.
Distribution mechanism
How does sphagnum moss grow? Where does the "sponge" grow best? The degree of distribution primarily depends on the composition of the soil. The most favorable environment is poorly ventilated soil with uncut grass and reduced pH. Sphagnum moss is a plant common in shaded areas, under trees, on shaded parts of structures, paths, monuments. It should be noted that growth is very fast. And if mossy plants make up a natural landscape in the forest zone, then when they appear on household plots, a lot of problems and obstacles are created for the development of other representatives of the flora. In this regard, you should think more about the ventilation of lawns, paths, facades.
Mechanical ways to deal with the "sponge" in the garden
One of the main reasons for the growth of moss is consideredinsufficient soil ventilation. To ensure ventilation, it is necessary to penetrate deep into the soil, while ensuring air access to the lower layers. If the weed has not spread very much, then you can remove it manually. To do this, it is enough to dig out each of its bushes. Of considerable importance in preventing the spread of moss is the correct mowing of the lawn. It is she who affects the ability of the turf lying at a depth of about 8 cm to retain air, moisture and fertilizers. As mentioned above, high humidity creates a very favorable environment for the spread of the "sponge".
Chemical Methods
Fertilizers can also help in the fight against the growth of moss. For this, mixtures that help reduce the acidity of the soil are suitable. Experts recommend giving preference to complex tools for processing decorative lawns. These fertilizers usually contain three components: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Such mixtures have a double effect. First of all, due to the properties of ferrous sulfate, mossy growths die. Secondly, due to the presence of nitrogen, grass growth is activated. If you apply fertilizer to moist soil, then the death of mosses occurs faster. As practice shows, a decrease in soil acidity is noted already two days after treatment. In spring or summer, only mossy areas should be sprinkled. In the case of extensive plant distribution, the entire area should be fertilized. Nevertheless, fertilizers should not be abused. You can use the mixture no more than once every 2 months. Experts advise to engage in lowering the acidity of the soil in the autumn. As a result, the alkaline composition of the soil will be provided throughout the winter.
Easy way to get rid of Sponge Spread
A very effective way to combat moss on facades or monuments is ordinary soda. Its solution creates an alkaline environment that is detrimental to it. However, it should be said that if part of a building or monument is located in a shaded place, then the reappearance of sphagnum cannot be avoided. Therefore, you will need to clean it regularly. You can use powders specially designed for this purpose. You can get them at gardening stores.
Sphagnum moss. Application
"Sponge" has a number of useful properties due to which it is used in various fields. In medicine, the use began in the 11th century. And by the 19th, sphagnum moss began to be sent around the provinces for use as a dressing material. During the war, it was an indispensable tool that had a high hygroscopicity and the ability to quickly and easily absorb pus, blood and other liquids. Some companies still produce sphagnum-gauze tampons, which are additionally impregnated with a solution of boric acid. Moss contains sphagnol, a phenol-like compound. This substance has a bactericidal, antifungal and disinfectant effect. Humic acids, also present in the plant, exhibitantibiotic properties. The use of sphagnum insoles helps to quickly get rid of foot fungus. For skin lesions of an infectious nature, psoriasis and other pathologies, baths with infusion of moss are recommended. For cooking, a small amount of "sponge" is cut, filled with water (70-80 degrees). Sphagnum is used as a filler for diapers, mattresses. It is recommended as underwear for the elderly and seriously ill.
Use in horticulture and animal husbandry
Flower growers use moss when growing young shoots or to save sick specimens. Due to the hygroscopicity of the "sponge" moisture is effectively retained in the substrate. The plant is especially often used in the care of orchids. To grow shoots, moss is scalded, cooled and squeezed. After that, it should be spilled with the prepared Kemira Lux mineral liquid fertilizer, squeezed slightly again and placed in a plastic bag. When closed, the moss must be kept for four days. Every two months, an orchid should be transplanted into the soil freshly prepared in this way. When its roots reach five to seven centimeters, the plant is placed in a pine bark substrate. Sphagnum moss is also used to protect plants from frost in the garden. As a hygiene product, sphagnum is used in cages with hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs. This natural filler perfectly copes with odors, disinfects and absorbs moisture.
Blank
When collecting moss, do not pull it out together with the bottom. For the correct preparation, the top is cut with scissors. In this case, the rest will be able to shoot. The collected moss at home must be doused with boiling water. This is done to eliminate insect larvae and eggs. In this case, the properties of moss are not lost. Dry raw materials in the open air in sunny weather with a slight breeze. Dryers are not recommended. If the preparation is carried out for subsequent use for medicinal purposes, then the raw material is kept in the air until completely dry. After that, it is broken and put into a dry container. If it is intended to be used for decorative purposes or as a filler for animal cells, then the plant should not be completely dried. In this case, the raw material is stored in the newspaper. You can keep dry moss in the freezer. It is put there green and taken out if necessary.
